Janine don't,just do not.Italy is a civilized and capable country,October is a sensible time to take young ones abroad.The flight time is not long.It can seem incredibly long with a baby or two shrieking near you .My personal take on this that untill children are of an age to tell you what is wrong with them[and something will be ] by other means than volume it is not fair to stress every one out with their problems.They won't remember it,you may enjoy it despite the hard work that babies at there best incurr.The locals will love your little ones,even if they are screaming puking and all the rest.Save your money,take them to Italy when they are four or five.They still won't remember it but the chances are you and yours will have a wonderful time.I remember some time ago a trip to mallorca,the baby girl of the family was ill ,my heart ached for them every time i saw them.Money wasted.Just my opinion of course.

Sorry Superfrac, but I beg to disagree!

OK crying babies can be a fact of life on an aircraft, but there are ways to calm them such as drinks and dummies, and who knows these little ones might even enjoy themselves or sleep. I think it is very unfair to assume that babies will cry during a flight because they cannot 'explain' what's wrong. There are other people who make a flight hell - ADULTS! - who won't stop chatting or have had a few drinks too many .....

I assume Janine that you are not expecting your little ones to enjoy Sicily for its great culture! You will enjoy late summer sunshine, and as long as you make sure that you have all the necessary bits for your babes such as Calpol or its equivalent, there is no reason why you shouldn't have a great time.

Prepare well in advance - including reminding your hubby that he will have to have a babe on his knee all flight, as your buggy will be put in the hold as you arrive at the aircraft steps, and make sure that your TO puts two cots in your bedroom.

Follow sensible safety and hygiene as you do already and you should have an enjoyable time abroad.

Like Alsacienne I have to disagree with superfrac.

My first trip to Italy was 33 years ago with my 9 month old son. Everybody said you mustn't take a child that age abroad! My anwer was then, and I'd give the same answer now, they have been bringing up kids as long as we have.

We went by car, a little old Renault 4, from Liverpool - to halfway down the Adriatic. Stopping overnight through France, the Italian Riviera, Pisa and Florence - then to the coast for the last week.

The attention we recieved especially in Italy was fantastic. Even Roberto the beach guard baby sat for us, so we could go swimming together. Car park attendants made us park in what we thought not good places to leave the car - on return, was this little car in full shade. There was a heat wave at the time with temperatures in the 90's, and this is September.

We took all the baby food with us as we did not know the situation then. Today could well be different as shopping is international and you should get your favourite brand locally. I would make enquiries though. It might be worthwhile if your flying to pay for extra baggage and take the food with you - if needed!!!

The Italians are very baby minded and will love you for taking your children and show it!

My advice - do it. You won't regret it.

Peter

PS Any more info just ask.

Children of that age do not want/need a holiday, but Mam and Dad sure do..so go for it.
Just remember that parts of Italy can be noisy and hustle and bustle and other parts quite and beautiful, just get you're location right.

Italians are very family oriented and whatever difficulties you encounter and let's face it it is not that easy, the Italians will go out of their way to help. I tend to think that small and friendly is the way to go as these are family run, usually have kids of their own floating about, have local staff and treat you as an individual.

If you are taking young children, Italy is the place to go for sure.
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my 3 children are half italian and we go every year..all went when 2 weeks old..southern italians are fantastic hosts and will spoil your children rotten, we go to Brindisi (not many people speak english) so brush up on your italian. have a great time. ciao

Welcome to HT jdt and Don!